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The Fusion is the top rated Premium Mid-Size Car based on owner ratings of changes they want in their car in AutoPacific’s 2011 Ideal Vehicle Research.  As the class winner, its owners indicate there is little they would change about their car, but there are notable exceptions.  Over 30% of Fusion owners want better visibility and over 25% want their car to be easier to get into and out of.  25% want more power.  Fusion owners least want to change its ride or seat comfort.  Fusion ekes out this win over the highly acclaimed, and second place in class, 2011 Hyundai Sonata. 

Premium Mid-Size Car

Premium Mid-Size cars represent the default car choice for many shoppers.  Cars like the Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion offer plenty of space, good fuel economy and performance, and plenty of comfort and technology at accessible prices.  In many ways, the Premium Mid-Size Car represents the heart of the auto market.

Ideal Vehicle Award

Each year AutoPacific surveys new car and light truck buyers via mail and Internet about their new vehicle in order to learn more about their purchase experience, attribute importance and satisfaction, lifestyle, preferences, vehicle use, personal characteristics, desired features and more. Respondents to this survey are owners of new 2011 model-year cars and trucks purchased from September through December 2010.  The questionnaire was administered in January and March 2011. The 2011 Ideal Vehicle Awards are based on scores developed using results from a part of this survey that focuses on the consumers’ desire to change their vehicle if given the opportunity.  Respondents rate 15 attributes indicating whether they want them to be changed (larger, smaller, more or less) or not changed (stay the same) after having driven their vehicle for 90 days. Those vehicles wanting the LEAST CHANGE win the IVA for their class.  A total of 72,917 respondents provided input for these awards.